Artists

Explore a diverse range of art forms through our wide selection of weekly classes. Whether you’re drawn to printmaking, pastels or painting, there’s something for everyone.

Join Artists

Weekly classes

  • An elderly man drawing a portrait of a young woman sitting nearby at an outdoor event.

    Clothed Figure with Model

    Monday 10:00am — 12:00pm

    Develop your observational drawing skills working from a clothed life model. This class focuses on proportion, gesture, form, and expression using a range of drawing and painting media. Suitable for all levels.

  • Two women, one older with white hair in a red polka dot dress and the other with short gray hair in a denim jacket, are looking at a large rolled-out artwork on a table in an art studio. The studio has artwork on the walls and various art supplies on the table.

    Nude Figure with Model

    Monday 1:00pm — 3:00pm (during school term)

    A classical life drawing and painting session working from the nude model. During this class you’ll explore anatomy, light, tone, and movement in a supportive studio environment. Some prior drawing experience is recommended.

  • Child in colorful sweater and blue apron using a roller with black paint to create art on paper in a studio.

    Printmaking

    Tuesday 9:30am — 1.30pm

    Explore a variety of printmaking techniques including lino, etching-style processes, and mixed media printing. This hands-on class encourages experimentation and creative exploration for beginners and experienced artists alike.

  • An elderly man with white hair and a white shirt creating a sketch of a woman's portrait on a large easel outdoors during the evening. The sketch is rough but detailed, with the woman having shoulder-length hair and a serious expression.

    Painting & Portraiture

    Tuesday 7:00pm — 9:00pm

    Learn the art of portrait painting with a focus on likeness, structure, skin tones, and expression. Work from both reference images and live demonstrations in a relaxed, encouraging setting. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

  • A set of colorful pastels in a plastic case, arranged in sections with shades of blue, green, pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white.

    Pastels

    Wednesday 10:00am — 12:00pm

    Discover the vibrant, expressive world of soft pastels. This class covers blending, layering, colour theory, and composition while working from still life and reference images. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

  • Older woman painting outdoors on an easel with two other women also painting in the background.

    Painting

    Wednesday 1:00pm — 3:00pm

    An open-style painting class suitable for acrylic, oil, or watercolour. Students work on individual projects with guided support on technique, composition, and creative development. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

  • An elderly woman with glasses smiling while painting outdoors, sitting at an easel with a colorful landscape painting of trees and sky, surrounded by art supplies.

    Painting & Pencil Drawing

    Thursday 10am — 2:00pm

    A relaxed, longer-format class combining painting and drawing. Ideal for those wanting extended studio time to develop skills, explore mixed media, or work on personal art projects. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

  • Close-up of a person's hand painting a detailed floral image on a canvas with a small paintbrush.

    Painting

    Thursday 7:00pm — 9:00pm

    A new evening class that works with a range of artistic mediums, skills and techniques. Focused on creative expression, refinement, and finishing works in a warm, welcoming and encouraging setting. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

  • An elderly woman with a colorful headscarf, sunglasses, and multiple bracelets is painting a detailed scene of a house with trees on paper at a table. There is a tablet and a pink plastic basket on the table, along with various art supplies.

    Painting

    Friday 9.30am — 11.30am

    A friendly end-of-week painting class in a relaxed, encouraging setting. This class works with a range of skills and is focused on creative expression, technique refinement, and finishing works. All skill levels and experience are welcome.

How we work

  • Our weekly classes are listed above, or you can download the Keirunga Artists brochure here for a full overview.

    All art sessions take place in the Frank Bacon Arts Studio, a dedicated space for creativity and inspiration.

  • Keirunga Society Membership:
    — $69 per year

    +

    Keirunga Artists Group Membership:
    — $185 per year

  • The studio is fully equipped with easels, two printing presses, a photocopier, and audio-visual equipment, while members provide their own art materials.

    Members also have access to an extensive library of art-related books for inspiration and reference.

  • For any questions, group-specific information, or guidance on getting started, please reach out to our Group Leader Maggie Brown.

    e: maggiesb@extra.co.nz

Join Artists

Artists in action

  • Art vendors set up outside Nelson Theatre with paintings on display and artists painting, in front of large glass window showing colorful artwork inside, on a sidewalk with people walking by.
  • An elderly woman with glasses smiling while seated at an outdoor painting setup, with a landscape painting of trees on her canvas, surrounded by her art supplies.
  • An art gallery or exhibition with paintings displayed on chairs, easels, and tables. Several people are viewing the artwork, and the room has dark walls with black chairs and artworks.
  • Artist woman smiling at her art display with four vibrant floral paintings on easels on a purple table, in a cozy room with books, artwork, and large windows.
  • An elderly woman wearing glasses, a colorful headscarf, and a denim apron, smiling and working on an art project at a table with various art supplies, in an art studio with paintings hanging on the walls.
  • Older woman painting outdoors on an easel with two women sitting nearby and another standing in the background.
  • A framed painting of a forest scene with green trees and a bright path, leaning against an easel on a white wall. Part of a pink door with a poster of a bird inside a decorative frame is visible in the background.